*'''Global state''': Quite instable. I advice you to have a lot of patience.. the trackpad can once not work, then the other you would have any response from Finder and Dock.. Fault of what I just don't know

+

*'''Global state''': Globally works. However, I advice you to have a lot of patience..

−

*'''Install Method''': Retail 10.6.3 USB installation with Nawcom's ModUSB. Boot with busratio-18 GraphicsEnabler=Yes -v; then install the 10.6.7 combo update, before install Nawcom's 10.7.0 legacy kernel - do the same with the 10.6.8 combo update and the 10.8.0 legacy kernel; if you meet problems during boot try "GraphicsEnabler=No"; for further information see this guide: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/253767-amd-1068-guide-written-by-devout/

+

*'''Install Method''': Retail 10.6.3 USB installation with Nawcom's ModUSB. Boot with busratio-18 GraphicsEnabler=Yes -v; then install the 10.6.7 combo update, before install Nawcom's 10.7.0 legacy kernel - do the same with the 10.6.8 combo update and the 10.8.0 legacy kernel; after that, delete EvilIOPCIFamily.kext. if you meet problems during boot try "GraphicsEnabler=No"; for further information to install see this guide: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/253767-amd-1068-guide-written-by-devout/

*'''Chipset''': AMD Hudson-1 / K14

*'''Chipset''': AMD Hudson-1 / K14

*'''Processor''': AMD C-50

*'''Processor''': AMD C-50

−

*'''Video''': AMD HD Radeon 6250 - recognized but no kext loaded (no kext existing for this type of card at the moment..)

+

*'''Video''': AMD HD Radeon 6250 - recognized but no kext loaded (no kext existing for this type of card at the moment..). By luck, the minimal resolution exactly fit to the screen's size

−

*'''Audio''': Realtek ALC269 - trying to make it work, shouldn't be too long

+

*'''Audio''': Realtek ALC269 (not sure) - not working yet

−

*'''Keyboard/Mouse''': Very instable.. can work once and the other not

+

*'''Keyboard/Mouse''': Works once every two.. Restarts are frequent. (Though, it depends)

Revision as of 04:47, 19 January 2013

This is a hardware compatibility list for portable computers. We want to keep it as accurate as possible, but please, do not entirely rely on this list when buying a portable computer. Don't forget to add how you got OSx86 running on your portable x86 computer, and to use proper English. Please see the discussion page for proper instructions on how to input your system specs. Also, please contribute to the HCL 10.6.8 page, which should list a more granular view of compatibility. If your computer isn't listed, you should try it if you have a SSE2 or higher processor. Use vanilla kernel if it is supported.

ONLY add hardware that you have TESTED. Don't add hardware just because you think it might work.

Asus X53Ke

Install method: I have installed Snow Leopard 10.6.0 with the 10.6.1-10.6.2 Hazard distro, I chose the 10.2.0 Legacy Kernel, AtherosFix, IOATAFamily Fix, AppleIntelPIIXATA Fix and the AMD Patch. Then I installed the Combo Update 10.6.1-10.6.8, replaced the Legacy Kernel 10.2.0 with the Nawcom Legacy Kernel 10.8.0v2 and restart. And all works great, no Kernelpanics or other issues.

USB: USB2 works OOB / USB3 (ASMedia ASM1042) Doesn't work (no search to make it work yet ...)

Webcam: Doesn't work (no search to make it work yet ...)

Sleepmode: Not installed yet (no search to make it work yet ...)

Shutdown and Restart: Works

Asus 1015BX

Global state: Globally works. However, I advice you to have a lot of patience..

Install Method: Retail 10.6.3 USB installation with Nawcom's ModUSB. Boot with busratio-18 GraphicsEnabler=Yes -v; then install the 10.6.7 combo update, before install Nawcom's 10.7.0 legacy kernel - do the same with the 10.6.8 combo update and the 10.8.0 legacy kernel; after that, delete EvilIOPCIFamily.kext. if you meet problems during boot try "GraphicsEnabler=No"; for further information to install see this guide: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/253767-amd-1068-guide-written-by-devout/

Chipset: AMD Hudson-1 / K14

Processor: AMD C-50

Video: AMD HD Radeon 6250 - recognized but no kext loaded (no kext existing for this type of card at the moment..). By luck, the minimal resolution exactly fit to the screen's size

Audio: Realtek ALC269 (not sure) - not working yet

Keyboard/Mouse: Works once every two.. Restarts are frequent. (Though, it depends)

Shutdown, restart and sleep works fine but retart after sleep its not working.

Aspire 5720

Hardware Name

Chipset

Notes

Patches Used

32/64bit working with patches

Processor

Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 @ 1.80GHz

Working

Native support

Video Card

Intel X3100

Working

Native support (Boot with "arch=i386" in Chameleon)

Chipset

Intel 82801H - GM965

Working

Native support

Audio

Realtek ALC268

Working

VoodooHDA.kext version 0.2.1

WiFi

Intel 3945

Not Working

Ethernet

Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet BCM5787M

Working

BCM5787M kext by nobb1x

Touchpad and keyboard

ALPS Synaptics

Working

ApplePS2Controller.kext

Card Reader

Ricoh xD Picture Card Reader

Working

VoodooSDHC.kext

Integrated Camera

Suyin Web camera

Not Working

Battery

Sanyo

Working

VoodooBattery.kext

Sleep not working

Aspire One D255

Hardware Namew

Chipset

Notes

Patches Used

32/64bit working with patches

Processor

Intel Atom 1.30GHz

Working

Native support

Video Card

Intel X3100

Working

Native support (Boot with "arch=i386" in Chameleon)

Chipset

Intel 82801H - GM965

Working

Native support

Audio

Realtek ALC268

Working

VoodooHDA.kext version 0.2.1

WiFi

Broadcom

Not Working

Ethernet

Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet BCM5787M

Working

BCM5787M kext by nobb1x

Touchpad and keyboard

ALPS Synaptics

Working

ApplePS2Controller.kext

Card Reader

Ricoh xD Picture Card Reader

Working

VoodooSDHC.kext

Integrated Camera

Suyin Web camera

Not Working

Battery

Sanyo

Working

VoodooBattery.kext

Aspire 8930G

QE

Install method: iATKOS S3 v2 (10.6.3) with combo update to 10.6.8. Works together with windows 7. First make FAT32 partition in windows, then start iAtkos DVD and partition it to MAC(journaled). Install on this drive and be sure to use configuration (drivers/kext) as shown in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RDGTen8IBo

After installation I recommend using multibeast for upgrading to 10.6.8 (do some research):

I had some boot problems, causing my pc to start Windows 7 no, ignoring the chameleon bootloader. I fixed this by loading into my OSx by an iBoot cd (free to download) and then using multibeast to install the chimera bootloader.

Wifi & sleep mode do not work!!! All other things seem to work perfectly

iDeneb method confirmed working too, but less information of compability

Aspire 5500

QE

Install method: Retail OS X 10.6.0 installed on a normal mac and cloned the partition to Acers HDD update then 10.6.8 by combo update.
DSDT Hack, FakeSMC & VoodooPS2 Controller, and VoodooPS2 Trackpad Deleted AppleHDA.kext and used actual VoodooHDA (i think 2.7.x)
Everything works (even AppStore) except Intel 2000 XY miniPCI Wlan Card Switched to a Dell one for 7.99 in the bay :-) so
Wlan is working now. QE / CI Enabled, but due to SingleCore CPU not the best performance at all, about 1000 in GeekBench -Zoid DevMoar

Aspire 5553g

please recheck and insert details.
Thanks.

you will have a lot of problems i have same notebook and running sn10.6.8 with legacy kernel v8
booting to system is fast about 30s i thing very good booting for amd processor
well but i cant isntall ati hd 5650 gig memory.. and internal ati hd4250
and my internal keybord an touchpad not funcion at all and when i use appleps2 or voodoops2 my computer boot to system with big delay and after 15min ps2 keyboard and trackpad not function and function only external mouse and keyboard..
not funcion wifi broadcom 43225 card
and broadcom bluethoot
im triing to fix it but without succes i need only 10.6.8 because is function for more games and software
the same problems i have with lion but lion cant install directly from usb or dvd -legacy -v gives me error cpu
without i have stuck at usbf...appleusbohci act....
musr install iatkosl2 from existing 10.6.8. after -legacy -v booting to system well but much slower than 10.6.8 may be 3times slower and still read and begin my all kexts from s/l/e
and kextutility kextwizard and other not solved this problem, diskutill repair permission too not succes.
i think the problem in snow and lion with kexts for atigraphics and other hardware is 3bit amd kernel bronzovka,,no 64bit support yet and i dont no why hackers make the 64bit kernel for lion and snow10.6.8.
I spend LOT OF TIME DURING SOLVING MY HARDWARE PROBLEMS --usbf PROBLEM ON GOOGLE NOBODY SUCCESFULLY SOLVED AND I DONT KNOW WHAT HARDWARE FROM MY LAPTOP DEPEND OF APPLEusbohci CHECK SLEEP CAPABILITY?????????,,ANYBODY WHO CAN HELP ME PLEASE GIVE HERE SOME POST AOR REPLAY OR SEND ME MAIL TO jaraskalka@EMAIL.CZ............HI FOR ALL CZECH MACHACKFELLAS

TRIED RAW 64 BIT KERNEL FOR 10.7.4 AND -LEGACY -V NOT FUNCTION AND HAVE THE SAME RESULT AS WITHOUT...THE USBF STUCK COMMING.. WHEN I USE EHCIreset COMAND NOTHING ONLY STILLWAIT FOR ROOT DEVICE.. MAY BE PROBLEM WITH USB PORTS AND IDENTIFICATION.. BUT I CANT FIND ANY SOLUTION IN GOOGLE AND MYSELF TRIING TO REPLCE IOUSBFAMYLI....I NEED SOME MORE EDUCATED FELLA WHO HELP ME WIHT DSDT MAKING FOR MY GRAPHIC AND USB PORTS REALLY

Insert the USB drive with OSX and then boot with iBoot 3.1.1 (not the other way around). When the boot screen is loaded, type in "PCIRootUID=1" without quotes. Then select your USB thumb drive (it will say install DVD, not usb) and press enter.

Install Mac OS 10.6.0 as usual (format drive at the beginning of the install process, etc.)

If during post installation, the OS freezes after pressing "Continue" at the Account Registration page, wait until the harddisk activity stops and then force the laptop to reboot. Then it works fine.

Then open MacOsX/kextinstaller/Kext Wizard.app. Go to the Installations tab. At the Destination field, click on System/Library/Extensions. Open the folder MacOsX/kexts (on desktop) and drag ALL the kext's of the kexts folder onto the file field of the Kext Wizard. Then click on Install.

Now go to the Maintenance tab in Kext Wizard. Click on System/Library/Extensions and press Execute.

Reboot with iBoot again but do NOT use the PCIRootUID flag. Just select the mac drive and press enter. You have now installed the 10.6.8 update. iBoot is needed to boot the machine every time, even though the installation is already finished. Any other bootloader such as the one which comes with multiBeast does not work.

If the machine goes into sleep mode (can't tell from screen because it is still on, but the machine will be frozen and no mouse visible) then the only way to get out of it is to hit the power button once and wait a few seconds. Then press "Cancel" at the shutdown popup window.

Note that the bios sometimes changes the boot order for no reason. If you can't boot from the CD, enter the bios and put the DVD drive on top again.

The ipad 2 and perhaps other IOS devices will not be recognized when booting from iBoot. Booting with the "Pirate EFI X Boot CD v0.3" will fix this. However, the touchpad will not work but a usb mouse will.

Processor: Intel Core i3-390M

Ram: 2gb DDR3

Audio: works OOB with 10.6.0 but not with 10.6.8

TouchPad: Works OOB, except for the tap-to-click feature, but only works when booting with iBoot.

Integrated webcam: works OOB but only with Pirate EFI X Boot CD

Wifi: not working

LAN: not working

Graphics Controller: Intel GMA HD, works but with no acceleration. The nVidia GT 540M does not work.

After install all update, delete AppleACPIPlatform.kext before reinstall it from SnowLeo installer pendrive with ACPIThermal package.
Open the pendrive in Finder, click "Go" menu "Go to folder…" item, write "System", browse and install the package System/Installation/Packages/notebook/ACPIThermal.pkg

Aspire 5734z

QE

Install method: Retail OS X 10.6.3 with iBoot as Boot CD with combo update to 10.6.8. I installed it on a fresh GUID-partitioned disk. Customization during installation: Added Apple PS/2 drivers and Main Hardware->Laptop hardware->Battery. I also added kexts for X4500 graphics using Kext Helper.

Keyboard/touchpad: worked with Apple PS/2 drivers selected in customization during install.

Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT Graphics with 256MB or 512MB DDR (depends on the laptop), works, intall EasyBeast of Multibeast, also use Graphics Enabler and -pci1 option, but not necessary with multibeast.

Except Sleep and built in 3945WLAN all are working and system is stable.
(Upgrade to Lion works with this method. Will post instructions soon)
More Information and Install Instructions will be added soon,

HP Touchsmart TM2T

Install Method: I copied a previous install using Disk Utility from a USB drive with 100% vanilla Mac OS X 10.6.8 (backup of a MacBook) and iBoot CD; I had to use 'cpus=1' until I could replace kernel.

Video: Intel HD Graphics works--partially, using GhostRaider's method--QE/CI but not video acceleration. Native 1280x800 resolution if that is set in Chameleon plist. ATI Radeon Mobility 5450 has not been tested due to the switchable graphics seeming to 'prefer' the Intel GPU.

Keyboard: working with volume & brightness Fn keys, use VoodooPS2Controller.kext

Touchpad: working to move mouse, but mouse click does not work (using portable Bluetooth keyboard / mouse).

osx installed on external USB hard drive to keep original win7 intact on internal HDD (recommended to those who don't want to mess with their windows install... and keep OSX on GUID partition and WIN on MBR partition...)

dual boot win7/osx 10.6.8 with USB HDD connected

(and selected in Bios after cd/DVD drive & before internal HDD)

strangely, on second clean install on same HDD, lost MacAppStore from dock, even though it's 10.6.8..)

After combo update to 10.6.8 run multibeast with easybeast and both voodoo PS/2 options selected. If you skip this, you won't have a working keyboard or mouse after you reboot. External USB keyboard & mouse work.

Install bootup and first bootup require safe-mode (-x -f). This is due to the ATI driver not functioning (causing grey screens and graphics corruption). Afterwards this can be fixed by using VESA mode.

Trackpad and keyboard: Both work with Voodoo PS/2 Controller and Voodoo PS/2 Trackpad kexts. Trackpad works as a multitouch input device. IMPORTANT: Install these when running Multibeast for the first time, else you won't have a working keyboard or mouse after you reboot; I had to temporarily use a USB keyboard & mouse to sort this out.

Things that don't work

UPEK fingerprint reader This device is supported, but when the software tries to read my fingerprints it hangs after the first swipe. [32]

Wi-Fi: Intel Centrino 6200 Wi-Fi didn't work (but I don't expect it to, there is no kext for it)

Trackpoint: Doesn't work (the little red button in the middle of the keyboard, and the 3 mouse buttons between the keyboard and the trackpad)

eSATA: The eSATA port doesn't seem to have been detected, but it does work as a USB port.

2) Once installed, update to Combo Update 10.6.7 and then immediately after install Tonymacx86's UpdateHelper. Reboot.

3) Run 10.6.8 Update and then immediately after run Multibeast 3.10.1 selecting (EasyBeast, System Utilities, AppleIntelE1000.kext, VoodooHDA.kext, VoodooBattery.kext). Reboot.

4) Install GMA 4500 kexts to enable native resolution. Add arch=i386 and GraphicsEnabler=Yes to org.chameleon.boot.plist. These kexts can be found by finding the file labeled gma 4500mhd resolution for lion and x3100_x86_64. Run all of those kexts in kexthelper. Reboot.

Keyboard & TrackPad: works with VoodooPS2 (all without VoodooPS2Trackpad)

Magic Gate: Not working

Motion Eye: Works OOTB

USB: working fine (chameleon USBBusFix=Yes)

Shut Down/ReBoot: works fine

Video: ATI Radeon 5650M - works fine with Lion kexts and nativ resolution set by SwithResX 4. QE/CI works :D

WiFi: Atheros 9285 - works with LegacyAtheros

PowerManagment - works OOTB

Sony VAIO VGN-NR31SR

Hazard 10.6.6 installed. With other distributions, either internal PS/2 keyboard doesn't work, or the video hangs up, or nothing boots at all.
When installing, select only Chameleon RC5 and VoodooHDA, otherwise there will be problems with one thing or another.

Video: Nvidia 8400M GT: works out of the box with 1024x768, full resolution is enabled with Chameleon "Graphics Mode" parameter. Acceleration doesn't work, tried NVEnabler but no luck. It is said that Vaio only supports acceleration on external displays. I didn't try too hard, trusted the internets.

Audio: works with VoodooHDA (installed with Hazard, latest driver version from the available ones). Didn't try the mic.

WiFi: internal doesn't work. Just bought an USB one (D-Link with an Ralink chipset, but see the notes on HCL_10.6.8#Wireless).

Satellite A300-1EC

When installing iATKOS S3 V2, be sure to check the following customizations:

""iATKOS S3 Main System""

Bootloader

DON'T CHANGE OR CHECK ANYTHING EXTRA (LEAVE AS IS)

""Bootloader Options""

32-Bit boot

Ethernet

Patches

Keep the checked options but add the following:

EVOReboot

DON'T CHECK SleepEnabler IF YOU WANT TO UPDATE TO 10.6.8

Drivers - Main Hardware

SATA/IDE: INTEL SATA/IDE

Sound: Voodoo HDA

PS/2: Voodoo PS/2

CPU Power Manager: Voodoo P-State

Laptop Hardware: Battery, Card Reader

NTFS-3G: CHOOSE IF YOU HAVE NTFS HARD DISKS OR PARTITIONS YOU MAY WANT TO READ

VGA: DON'T CHOOSE ANYTHING HERE. IF IT DOES NOT WORK THEN CHOOSE THE FOLLOWING:

INTEL, EFI string, Natit, GMA x3100, Framebuffer

Network: Wired= Realtek (CHECK ALL)

I choose something extra which are the BROADCOM Wireless drivers as my original Intel 3495 A/B/G did not work, so i swapped in an old broadcom wireless adaptor into the laptop's motherboard. I CHOOSE ALL OPTIONS IF YOU HAVE THE SAME BROADCOM Hardware.

When instal is finished

Download kext utility from the internet and let it run, it will repair permissions and such. DO THIS EVERY TIME YOU UPDATE OR INSTALL A KEXT.

After extracting just drag and drop into kext utility to install. It will ask for password. Restart when done.

Download the OFFICIAL APPLE 10.6.8 combo update to update to 10.6.8 and install. Restart after finish.

Done!!! Welcome to your hackintosh!!

Issues

You might get issues with the wireless Intel 3495 A/B/G. THERE IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION, which can only connect to unencrypted wifi, which is useless these days. REAL SOLUTION: Get a $10 wifi dongle or a PCI card that fits into the laptop. The original card is under the keyboard, you have to remove the top plastic bar to reveal the screws. There you will find the Intel 3495 A/B/G which can be replaced by a compatible adaptor.

Display issues too might be encountered. Try the options i enlisted above if the first fails. Connect a second display to try out your computer or at least change the kexts.

Sleepenabler.kext doesn't work with 10.6.8, so you have to install the new sleepenabler from here [36], and then installing the new legacy kernel from the same link.

System fan works sometimes, solution: just unplug Power adapter and plug it back in to make the fan work normally. Searching for a better solution...

Loud Feedback coming from speakers, seems to be due to the Microphone Gain volume stuck at full. Install VoodooHDA 2.7.2 Package, goto SystemPrefs, open VoodooHDA icon, and lower the GAIN to 0. Run Kext utility. If problem persists, edit voodoohda.kext and change gain # to 0 and imix to about 80%. Run Kext Utility.

Internal Wireless can work with only Unencrypted Networks. Linksys WUSB54G V4 is an external adapter and works.

Webcam will fully work if you download CamTwist. FaceTime, Skype, MSN, iChat all work if you open them, and then open CamTwist. Google has lots of more info.

SOFTWARE UPDATES

Updating from 10.6.7 to 10.6.8 works successfully by downloading the combo update from the official website.

Run "Repair Disk Permissions" each time you update.

If keyboard & Track-pad stop working, just boot into safe-mode using -x and the reboot normally.

If sound stops working, it's most probably because the update placed a new AppleHDA.kext in the (Extensions) Kexts folder. Just delete it, perform a Repair Disk Permissions and reboot.

WARNING: You must replace Apple80211Monitor.bundle with a previous version from 10.6.7. The file is located in System/Library/SystemConfiguration. If you do not replace this file, The system will run Slow and you will not have Network access!

Sound not working (Was working until VoodooHDA.kext caused a kernel panic)

Touchpad not working

Screen resolution stuck at 1024x768 (1280x800 is native resolution)

Mac OS X is completely useable if you have an external mouse and a wired Internet connection. I am still trying to find out how to get the Wireless, Sound, Touchpad and resolution fixed and I will update here once I find a way.

Satellite A205-S5000

QE

See HCL 10.6.3 for base install instructions

Before beginning, remove VoodooHDA.kext. It will cause a kernel panic after update.

Video: ATI Radeon Mobility HD 5145 (give up hoping for this to work correctly - can make it work with VESA framebuffer though - still working on this)

SATA: Intel Series 5/3400 AHCI works natively

Optical: Swapped in an HP Blu-Ray drive (SATA) functions well.

How to install:

Remove all but 4GB RAM (or less), disable built-in ethernet.

Boot via iBoot Legacy disk with "-v -x" flags (GraphicsEnabler=No/Yes made no difference but you may require the No option).

Swap disc when required and install to your liking (I went for a minimal install).

Replace iBoot disc and reboot with "-v -x GraphicsEnabler=No"

Remove IOPlatformPluginFamily.kext from /System/Library/Extensions/ (this is so that the combo update won't panic and kill your install).

Reboot - usual flags "-v -x GraphicsEnabler=No"

Launch the MultiBeast installer and proceed to the install options screen - but DO NOT actually click install yet.

Run combo updater but DO NOT click the restart button when finished (if you do you need to go back to step one and begin again).

Flick back to MultiBeast and click the Install button now. When complete allow the Combo update to restart.

You know what to type now... but we shall soon avoid needing to do that.

Install Chameleon (use the installer package and then update files manually if you really want). Edit the /Extras/org.chameleon.Boot.plist file and add in our Kernel Flags in the appropriate places (there are guides out there to help with flags). From this point on safe mode (-x) doesn't seem needed, but GraphicsEnabler=No is a MUST.

Drop the latest ATI kexts into the /System/Library/Extensions folder (I'm using atibeta4).

Remove HDAEnabler kexts from the extensions folder while you are at it.

If it booted you are on the right track. Power off. Add back in your RAM, enable builtin Ethernet.

Use Kext Helper b7 (or whatever you like) to install AtherosL1cEthernet.kext and then reboot. Play on internet. :)

Satellite C655 & C650

QE

Install Method: iATKos with Mac OS X version 10.6.3 then updated to 10.6.6 with Apple combo update. After updating to 10.6.6 and after flash don't work in any web browser and safari and appstore glitch alot but everything works great, re-install kexts for wifi and vga cards and perfect again.

Changed bootloader to Chameleon RC2

Processor: Intel Celeron 900 @ 2.2GHz Single Core

Audio: Working, You have to manually turn it on, so won't work till you switch to analog.!!

LAN And Wifi: Atheros , Wifi working after applying the older .kext a kext can be found at kext.com will post when found again sorry lost the link but did get the one for the video.. till then tether using usb for androids or iphone, if you don't got one who are you..

Video: Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M. There is a fix for giving different resolutions at kexts.com. However it does not work if the --10.6.4 update has been applied. Go here after making free account, worth it. great kext!! http://www.kexts.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=92

and only install the kext APPLEINTELGMAZ3100FB.KEXT other one doesn't do nothing.

SATA: Working

USB: Working. Do not click the usb in CUSTOM INSTALL under PATCHS, only the one in BOOTLOADERS to make the all the usb work. if you click both, then they will work but not for apple products and for itunes so only click the one in BOOTLOADER and all will work properly and perfect like we want are CRACKBOOK PRO'S

sleep: don't work at all, why can't we get this one thig to work, is it so hard for some one to fix and post, if find it i will deffently post, help..!!!

EXTRA INFO ----Use combo update to 10.6.5 worked, and used mac update to 10.6.8, safari had big issues, alot of glitches and adobe flash player and plugins wouldn't work properly but it did get the app store so upgrade at own risk, but at the top the comment is not 100% correct you can update but it really depends on what you installed in the first place,

Qosmio X505-Q885

Install Method: iBoot & Snow Leopard Retail 10.6.3 DVD

Had to only remove 4 kexts from the retail DVD (AppleFWAudio*,IOAudioFamily*,IOFireWire*,AppleMultitouchDriver*,Audio*)
I used Transmac to uncompress the retail DVD, removed the 4 kexts, recompiled using Transmac and then burned to a DL DVD using Transmac.

1. Put in the iBoot disk and start the machine up
2. Once iBoot is loaded pull the disk out and put in your snow leopard install DVD
3. Press F5 (You wont see anything happen) and type -V
3. Install the OS. I chose to install on a fresh empty 500GB drive.
4. OS installed without a single problem and I was able to download all of the updates from the updater to get my system to 10.6.8. Did not need to use anything else. I still use iBoot because I also have a Windows 7 drive in the machine.

Every piece of hardware works currently except for the wireless card which I am still looking for the appropriate drive. All in all this install was extremely easy and now I have a Mac Killer with an 18.3" screen, 8GB RAM, etc... for half the price.

One note: Do not do the install with more than 4GB RAM. Pull the extra out and reinstall after the OS is installed.